18 Steps To Guarantee An Easy Home Move

Moving house can be an overwhelming experience that often takes up a large amount of physical energy, mental strength, time and not to mention money. Moving our stuff from one place to another can be an eye-opening task that makes us face the reality of how much stuff we have accumulated in our homes. Then once you have finally packed all your things into what seems like a million cardboard boxes do you realise the enormity of your possessions when a 2-ton moving truck becomes completely packed and loaded with all your stuff. We have listed 18 simple steps that will make your moving day that much easier.

1. Start early and plan in advance

Start creating an action plan ahead of time. One way to get started is to make a list of all the things that need to be done and organised for the move. Ensure that if you are using a moving company that they are available and confirmed for your moving date. You can also start packaging decor and non-essential items up to a month in advance.

2. Create an inventory list

An inventory list may sound tedious but it's important because it enables you to keep track of all the important items that may get lost or misplaced amidst the big move. An easy way to create a list is to start an excel spreadsheet with all applicable items and then further detail which room they will go into and which box number.

3. Declutter and get rid of things you don't need

Before you start packing, try to get rid of all unused, broken, neglected, forgotten items in your home. Throw them out if they are beyond repair or donate if items are still in good condition. If they are expensive items or big furniture pieces that are in good condition then you can also sell them on platforms like Gumtree and OLX for some extra money. Narrowing down your stuff will also decrease your moving costs.

4. Pack room by room

Try not to be tempted into moving onto another room if you haven't completely finished packing another. Too many open boxes and clutter may overwhelm you and make the packing process seem insurmountable.

5. Buy adequate sized boxes

Once you have completed your inventory list you should have a rough idea of what size boxes you will need. Heavy items like books should be packed in smaller boxes whilst lighter items like linen can be packed in bigger boxes.

6. Pack boxes efficiently

Organise heavier items on the bottom with lighter ones on the top.

7. Keep similar items together

It helps to keep items organised together so that the unpacking stage can be easier and more efficient. For example, all cutlery should go together and all forks, spoons, etc should be organised accordingly.

8. Label each box with description of contents and room

Concise labelling will enable the movers to know precisely where to offload all your stuff which will make unpacking easier. Label on the top and side with a description of the contents and the room in which the box should go.

9. Ensure boxes are taped properly

Ensure that the bottom of all your boxes are taped properly so that your stuff doesn't fall out the bottom once they are picked up. It is also good to mark boxes as fragile if they have breakable items inside.

10. Number boxes so you can track all of your belongings from one place to the next

Numbering boxes will allow you to immediately know if a box is missing or misplaced.

11. Make use of newspaper and bubble wrap

Wrap fragile objects like plates and ceramics with newspaper or bubble wrap to ensure they don't scratch or break during the move.

12. Pack hanging clothes in trash bags

Instead of having to fold and pack hangers into a box rather use heavy duty trash bags to cover hanging clothes. Simply tie hangers together with a string and put clothes in the bag.

13. Double box expensive items

If you have extremely fragile items that you want to ensure don't get broken then a good way to protect them from damage is to pack them within a box and then into another box for safe measure.

14. Use resealable plastic bags for small accessories and furniture assembly pieces

Keep small resealable plastic bags handy for those small, bitsy accessories that will get lost within a box or tiny screws and assembly pieces that are needed to assemble furniture.

15. Defrost your fridge a day before moving

This will ensure that your fridge doesn't leak water during the moving process.

16. Don't pack essential items until right before the move and fill a clear container with all the everyday items you will need straightaway in your new home

Packing your essential items into a clear container will ensure you can easily locate your essential day-to-day stuff when you arrive at your new home.

17. If you are using a moving truck company then ensure they are reliable

Do your research and get a few quotes in order to compare value for service. It is also important to know the moving company's terms and conditions such as their refund or damage policies.

18. If you have expensive art or decor then ask your mover about special packaging

A professional moving service will offer special packaging (wood crates) for expensive pieces.